Kanyakumari : Where the Seas Meet

Situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of peninsular India, is an enchanting tourist spot. Also known as Cape Comorin, this is the land where the three seas – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the mighty Indian Ocean – meet. The spectacular natural beauty of Kanyakumari ensures that all […]

Situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari, the southernmost tip of peninsular India, is an enchanting tourist spot. Also known as Cape Comorin, this is the land where the three seas – Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and the mighty Indian Ocean – meet. The spectacular natural beauty of Kanyakumari ensures that all the other beaches pale in comparison.

Kanyakumari is at its magnificent best during the Chaitra Pournami (Full Moon of April) when the Sun and Moon are seen face to face on the horizon. On other full moon days too, sun set and moon rise can be viewed simultaneously at Kanyakumari.Kanyakumari has been one of the major centres of trade and commerce from the ancient times. Kanyakumari came under the reign of various dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas, Cheras and Nayaks to name a few. The art, culture and architecture of these dynasties are evident throughout Kanyakumari. Kanyakumari came under the Travancore dynasty who ruled over the place even under the British rule. When India got independence the rule of monarchs came to an end. Kanyakumari became a part of Tamil Nadu when states were re-organized on linguistic lines.

The main attraction of Kanyakumari is definitely its beach of multi-coloured sands, with a panoramic view of sunset. Other main attractions of Kanyakumari are the famous Kumari Amman Temple, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Gandhi Mandapam, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Pechiparai Reservoir, Vattakottai Fort, Courtallam Falls, Mathur Hanging Trough, Sitharal Jain Monuments, Udayagiri Fort and the Wax Museum among others.Some other religious attractions of Kanyakumari are the Lord Subramanya Temple, Tiruchendur Temple, Swamithoppe Suchindram, St Xavier’s Church, Nagaraja Temple and Thirunandhikarai Cave Temple to name a few.

The popular beaches near Kanyakumari are Thengapattinam Beach, Sanguthurai Beach and Sothavilai Beach to name a few. Spots of natural beauty near Kanyakumari are the Kalakkad –Mundanthurai Tiger Sanctuary, Thiruparrapu Falls, Courtallam Falls and Olakkuruvi Falls among others.Kanyakumari is well connected, and easily accessible by road and rail from other parts of the country. The nearest airport is Thiruvanathapuram, which is connected to major cities of the country and world. Kanyakumari is just a couple of hours’ drive from Thiruvanathapuram.Buses and auto rickshaws are the most common mode of transport within Kanyakumari. Though cheaper, buses might be overloaded. Auto rickshaws, though faster might charge very high as they don’t run on meters. Bikes and motorcycles are rented out in Kanyakumari for Rs 300-400 per day. This is a useful mode to get around in Kanyakumari.

Kanyakumari enjoys moderate climate conditions throughout the year. October to February is considered to be the best time to visit Kanyakumari. Hotels of Kanyakumari cater to the accommodation needs of people across various economic strata.